APPLICANTS ENTERING AS FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS

5 Year BS/MS Program

Students in the 5 year BS/MS Program must complete 6 semesters of pre-professional course work.

The 5 year program is composed of two parts:

  • A three-year pre-professional phase.
  • A two-year professional phase.

Upon successful completion of the first four years of the program, students receive:

  • A Bachelor Science Degree in Medical Studies.
  • A Minor in Biology.

Upon successful completion of the two-year professional phase, students:

  • Receive a Master of Science Degree in Physician Assistant Studies (M.S.P.A.S.).

Are eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) as required by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

The Professional Program

This phase is 24 months in duration, beginning with twelve months of didactic instruction in all areas of general medicine. Direct patient encounters begin early and become the core of instruction during the twelve months of clinical instruction. In addition, students are mentored as they develop and complete a masters research project. The program faculty, along with clinical adjunct faculty, including physicians, physician assistants, pharmacists, and other health care professionals, present the curriculum and coordinate and monitor the clinical experiences. The professional phase of the PA Program is referred to as the Physician Assistant Program. The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation - Continued status to the King's College Physician Assistant Program sponsored by King's College. Accreditation - Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.

Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program will be March 2027. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy. 

The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at http://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-kings-college/

The pre-professional phase is not part of this accreditation status. Students entering into the first year of the BS/MS major submit an application to the Kings College admissions department. Once accepted they follow a prescribed academic sequence for the first three years. These courses consist of liberal arts, PA classes, and preparatory science prerequisites for the later professional phase. During these first three years, students must fulfill all of the core requirements.

The pre-professional phase Courses consist of:

  • Liberal arts and PA classes
  • Preparatory science prerequisites for the later professional phase

Students fulfill the core requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree, as well as the following courses:

Evolution and Diversity with Laboratory (4 credits)
Organisms and Their Ecosystems with Laboratory (4 credits)
Cell and Molecular Biology with Laboratory (4 credits)
Microbiology with Laboratory (4 credits)
Immunology and Clinical Microbiology with Laboratory (4 Credits)
Anatomy and Physiology with Laboratory (8 credits)
Biochemistry for Medical Studies with Laboratory (4 credits)
Topic In Biochemistry/Physiology/Genetics (3 Credits)
General Chemistry I and II with Laboratory (8 credits)
Organic Chemistry I with Laboratory (4 credits)
Intro to Neuroscience for Medical Studies (3 credits)
Drugs and Behavior (3 credits)
Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis (3 credits)

PA 100  Introduction to PA Essentials

This one credit course is designed to introduce students in the Five-Year BS/MSPAS Major to fundamental information about the PA profession. The course will discuss the role of the PA within the healthcare system in relation to other healthcare professionals. The course will require students to contemplate their own self-awareness and allow them to develop study skills which will assist in their personal and professional development. This course will also address topics of professionalism, communication and introduce students to scientific research.

 PA 200  Fundamental PA Skills 

 This one credit course builds upon the information and instruction from PA 100. It is designed for sophomore PA students to expand upon the role of a PA and the importance of communication and professionalism. The course will focus on patient care topics, in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. It will also introduce the student to medical skills that the student can apply as a future healthcare professional.

 PA 201  PA Career Foundations 

 This one credit course continues to build upon PA 100 and PA 200, reinforcing the professionalism, communication and research required to be an effective PA. The course will discuss the concepts of grit and resiliency and help the student apply these concepts to be successful as a PA student and ultimately a practicing PA. Students will learn to develop their professional brand based on their strengths, character traits and professional goals. The course will advance critical thinking skills and introduce the concept of differential diagnosis.

*PA 300 Nutrition for Medical Studies

PA 300 Nutrition for Medical Studies is a 3-credit course for students in a variety of health science majors [including Physician Assistant, exercise science, nursing, athletic training, pre-medicine, and science] to provide a broad understanding of the science of nutrition and its applications to health. Concepts covered include the essential nutri-ents, digestion, absorption, metabolism, transport, and nutrient composition of foods. Additionally, major health issues related to some nutrients that are of public health concern in the United States are discussed in more detail giving insight into the cause, treatment, and prevention (with the intent on applying this information to future clini-cal interventions). Of major importance to students' lives are health and nutrition im-plications of overweight and obesity, heart disease, diabetes, bone health, cancer, and energy balance as affected by diet and physical activity. Lastly, understanding of nutri-tional needs throughout the lifespan is introduced, with emphasis on pregnancy, lacta-tion, and infant nutrition. Students will be encouraged to utilize critical thinking skills concerning the foundational concepts of nutrition as applied to the overall health of individuals as well as the US population. The concepts presented in PA 300 provide the foundation for the higher-level information presented in the graduate-level courses in our MS Nutrition Sciences program.

**All courses must be completed by the end of the spring semester of the junior year, and documentation must be forwarded by the end of May.

*Pending College Approval

Clinical Experience Hours

  • Students must complete a minimum of 500 clinical experience hours, with an minimum of 300 Category 1 hours, and these hours must include 8 hours of physician assistant shadowing experiences.
  • 75% of these hours (375) must be completed and logged on or before December 1st of the fall semester of the students' junior year (Pre-Professional Year 3) 
  • Please refer to document entitled, Clinical Experience Hours.

Students must complete all requirements by the end of the spring semester of their junior year before entering the professional phase of the program.

Progression Criteria for the 5 year BS/MS program:

General Information

  • Students in the 5 year BS/MS Program must complete 6 semesters of pre-professional course work.
  • Students are assessed on their ability to meet certain minimum GPAs (See below) while taking specific science/math courses and carrying a designated credit load. GPAs will not be rounded. Please see the Program Planner for an outline of these courses and credit load by semester. 
  • Science and math prerequisite courses must be completed in the sequence outlined on the academic planner at King's College. College Discovery and Advanced Placement credits are not accepted for science/math prerequisites but will transfer as elective science courses.
  • Students are permitted to transfer credits for core courses. These credits may be achieved through College Discovery, Advanced Placement and summer study.
  • The Progression Criteria requires the student to carry a minimum designated credit load each semester regardless of transfer credits (See below). This offers the student with transfer credit for core, the opportunity for electives and/or the completion of a minor. A student who does not carry the minimum designated credit load may not continue in the 5 year BS/MS program.
  • In order to remain in the 5-year BS/MS Major, workload for all credits must be completed in the semester in which the credits are awarded. 
  • Any student in the Medical Studies major who is found in violation of the academic integrity policy and receives an Academic Integrity Probation Sanction or Suspension from the College , will forfeit his/her guaranteed seat into the Professional Phase of the PA Program and be required to change their major.

  • Every student in the 5 year BS/MS program must meet all of the Progression Criteria to remain in the Program and progress to the professional phase.

  • A student who is no longer in the 5 year BS/MS program may not return to this Program at any time. The student is encouraged to remain at the College and choose another major provided they meet the general College academic standards listed in the King's College Catalog.
  • Students must complete a minimum of 500 clinical experience hours with a minimum of 300 Category I hours prior to the completion of Year 3 of the 5 year BS/MS Program. 75% of these hours (375) must be completed and logged on or before December 1st of the fall semester of the students' junior year (Pre-Professional Year 3) of which 75% must be Category I hours.

Undergraduate/Pre-Professional Year 1 Requirements

  • At the completion of the fall semester of Year 1, a student's cumulative overall and cumulative science/math GPA will be calculated and reviewed. 
  • A student who has achieved a grade of less than a C- in any course will not be allowed to continue in the 5 year BS/MS Program.
  • A student in jeopardy of not meeting the spring requirements, as set forth below, will receive a warning letter and be counseled by their academic advisor.
  • At this point, a student in good standing is considered one having cumulative overall and science/math GPAs of 2.850 or greater. 
  • At the completion of the spring semester of Year 1, a student's cumulative overall and cumulative science GPA will be calculated and reviewed.
  • Students must have a cumulative overall GPA of 2.900 or above upon completion of the spring semester of Year 1.
  • Students must have a cumulative science/math GPA of 2.900 or above in the Prerequisite Science/Math Courses upon completion of the spring semester of Year 1.
  • A student may not continue in the major if they have received a grade less than C- in any course.
  • Students are not permitted to repeat prerequisite science/math or core courses.
  • Students must meet with their academic advisor at least one time per semester. It is the responsibility of the student to initiate this meeting.

Students who do not meet the above minimum requirements for progression will be required to change their major.

Undergraduate/Pre-Professional Year 2 Requirements

  • Students must have entered all of their clinical experience hours to date on the online logging site. These will be reviewed at the beginning of the fall semester of year 2 and the student will be notified if problems or deficiencies exist.
  • At the completion of the fall semester of Year 2, a student's cumulative overall and cumulative science/math GPA will be calculated and reviewed.
  • Students must have a cumulative overall GPA of 3.000 or above upon completion of the fall semester of Year 2.
  • Students must have a cumulative science/math GPA of 3.000 or above in the Prerequisite Science/Math Courses upon completion of the fall semester of Year 2.
  • A student may not continue in the major if they have received a grade less than C-  in any course.
  • Students are not permitted to repeat prerequisite science/math or core classes.
  • At the completion of the spring semester of Year 2, a student's cumulative overall and cumulative science/math GPA will be calculated and reviewed.
  • Students must have a cumulative overall GPA of 3.200 or above upon completion of the spring semester of Year 2.
  • Students must have a cumulative science/math GPA of 3.200 or above in the Prerequisite Science/Math Courses upon completion of the spring semester of Year 2.
  • Students must have completed all Prerequisite Science/Math courses for Years 1 and 2, as per the curriculum planner, by the end of the spring semester of Year 2.
  • A student may not continue in the major if they have received a grade less than C- in any course.
  • Students are not permitted to repeat prerequisite science/math or core classes.
  • Students must meet with their academic advisor at least one time per semester. It is the responsibility of the student to initiate this meeting.
  • Students who do not meet the above minimum requirements for progression will be required to change their major.

Undergraduate/Pre-Professional Year 3 Requirements

  • Students must have entered all of their clinical experience hours to date on the online logging site. These will be reviewed at the beginning of the fall semester of year 3 and the student will be notified if problems or deficiencies exist. 75% of these hours (375) must be completed and logged on or before December 1st of the fall semester of the students' junior year (Pre-Professional Year 3)
  • Students must maintain a minimum cumulative overall GPA of 3.200 throughout Year 3. Their cumulative overall GPA may not fall below 3.200 at the completion of the fall semester of Year 3
  • Students must maintain a minimum cumulative Prerequisite Science/MathGPA of 3.200 throughout Year 3. Their cumulative Prerequisite Science/Math GPA may not fall below 3.200 at the completion of the fall semester of Year 3
  • A student may not continue in the major if they have received a grade less than C- in any course.
  • Students are not permitted to repeat prerequisite science or core classes.
  • Students must meet with their academic advisor at least one time per semester. It is the responsibility of the student to initiate this meeting
  • Students must complete any of the outstanding 500 clinical experience hours and 8 hours of PA shadowing hours by the end of the spring semester of Year 3. Documentation of such must be logged by the student no later than the last day of the Spring semester of Year 3
  • All 5 year BSMS students are guaranteed a seat in the professional phase of the program as long as they meet the Progression Criteria and submit an application of intent to progress to the Professional Phase including a personal statement and documentation of community service and extra curriculular activities. An interview will be required to matriculate into the program. During this time, students will be informed about Program polices and given details regarding both the didactic and clinical phases of the program
  • Students who meet all the criteria will receive a letter of full acceptance.

Students who do not meet the above requirements for progression will be required to change their major.

Experiential Learning Credits and the Professional Phase of the PA Program

The professional program does not allow for exemption from courses, clinical skills, laboratories, or clinical education regardless of prior experience, degree or credential. Students must matriculate through all aspects of the program and successfully complete all program requirements in order to graduate.

Years Four and Five Professional Phase of the PA Program

Enrollment Disclaimer

Enrollment in the professional phase is limited by the number of seats available. Therefore, in the event that the number of qualified BS/MS students exceeds the number of seats available in the professional phase, students with the highest overall and science/math GPAs will be granted seats in the class. In the event of a tie in this GPA the student with the higher science GPA will be considered first. If a tie remains after this consideration, the student's number of direct or category one patient care hours will be used to break the tie. Those qualified students who were not offered seats will be deferred until the next year. 

Additional requirements for entrance into the Professional Phase:

King’s PA students must submit a yearly medical release form signed by their health care provider clearing them to participate in the King’s College PA Program. Students must also maintain current health insurance while enrolled in the Program.

Immunization Policy for the Department of Physician Assistant Studies during the Professional Phase*

The King’s College Department of Physician Assistant Studies requires that all students maintain immunizations as recommended by the CDC for healthcare providers (Recommended Vaccines for Adults | CDC) and any state specific mandates.  Therefore, all King’s College PA students must have proof of these immunizations for the professional phase of the program.

  • Though not an immunization, students must have a tuberculin skin test or an IGRA (Interferon-Gamma Release Assays) to enter the PA Program. Additional tuberculosis testing may also be required by clinical sites or if there is a known exposure or ongoing transmission. Positive results will require proper evaluation, and documentation must be submitted as instructed by the PA Program.
  • The meningococcal (meningitis) vaccine is required by The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for students living in college-owned and operated residence halls. Therefore, students must either provide written documentation of meningitis immunization or sign a waiver to indicate they have been informed about this disease and vaccine and have chosen not to be immunized if they are living on campus. This form is provided by student health. Otherwise, the meningococcal vaccines are especially recommended for lab workers who work with Neisseria Meningitidis and those listed on the CDC website link provided above. 

 Facilities and hospitals often require additional immunizations and titers which students must obtain prior to starting rotations at those sites. Information regarding these additional requirements will be given to students prior to starting rotations.

 Failure to comply with the Immunization Policy for the Department of Physician Assistant Studies or any additional immunizations and titers for clinical rotations will result in the inability to enter, continue with or complete the program.

The following link will allow for easier access to the CDC recommendations for immunizations for health care workers: 

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/rec-vac/index.html#accordion-2-card

All costs incurred in complying with this policy are the responsibility of the student.

 *Policy subject to change at any time to comply with ARC-PA standards, King’s College, the PA Program and Hospital policies. The King’s College Department of PA Studies will make every attempt to notify its students of these changes in a timely manner.

Background Checks

For the Professional Phase of the Program, students are required to have the following annual background checks:  A fingerprinted Federal Criminal History Record Check (FCHR), a Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check (PATCH), a Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, and a comprehensive background check performed by Universal Background Screening.  All costs incurred in complying with these checks are the responsibility of the student. 

 A student who does not have a clear background check may be denied access to hospitals and/or clinical rotations.  This may affect his or her ability to complete the program.  A background check which is not clear may also affect one’s ability to sit for the PANCE, obtain professional licenses, or institutional privileges.  In an attempt to schedule clinical rotations, any information found on these checks will be disclosed to clinical facilities and preceptors.  Background checks which reveal a felony offense may result in denial of admission and/or dismissal from the program.

KING'S COLLEGE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY

The King's College Department of Physician Assistant Studies follows the policies outlined in the King's College Student Handbook. The use of drugs or alcohol prior to or during any activities pertaining to the program is strictly prohibited. If there is reasonable suspicion of impairment, the student will be removed from that activity/class/rotation immediately.

Prior to the start of the professional phase of the program, students will be required to undergo an annual 10-panel urine drug screen performed at a licensed laboratory. An institution, clinical site or the PA Program may require additional and or unannounced drug and/or alcohol testing. Referral for counseling and treatment may be required by the Program. Students will sign a consent form with a waiver of liability releasing this information to the Program and clinical sites. The student is responsible for all associated costs. If the student refuses, they may be unable to complete the requirements of the program. Specific disciplinary actions and/or dismissals will be handled on an individual basis.

*A copy of the Progression Criteria is provided and explained to each student who enters the medical studies major.

Employment during the professional phase of the PA Program

Due to the rigorous nature of the PA program during both the didactic and the clinical phases of training, it is inadvisable for students to hold a job during their professional training. Employment demands will not justify an excused absence from any academic or clinical requirements of the program nor will any special accommodations be made.

Clinical Rotations

Students are not required to provide or solicit their own clinical sites or preceptors.  Students may, however, arrange  some of their own rotations.  This must be discussed with the Clinical Faculty before arrangements are  made and approval is not automatically guaranteed. 

Policies subject to change at any time in order to comply with ARC-PA standards, King’s College, the PA Program and Hospital policies. The King’s College Department of PA Studies will make every attempt to notify its students of these changes in a timely manner.

The King’s College Department of Physician Assistant Studies reserves the right to alter and or modify policies and curriculum with notification to the affected students.